Moroccan media slams HRW for its bias towards Radi

LONDON - Moroccan media and rape complainant slammed Tuesday Human Rights Watch (HRW) for its bias towards journalist Omar Radi who appeared in court today for several charges against him, including rape and espionage.

Eric Goldstein, acting Middle East and North Africa director at HRW, criticised on Twitter the North African kingdom for what he called “harassment” against Radi.

“Harassment against one of the rare free journalists who still practice in #Morocco, @OmarRADI. Accusations of espionage and attack on state security based on evidence that seems fragile. Hearing 22.9 before an examining magistrate,” tweeted Goldstein.

The HRW official’s tweet prompted a slew of criticism from the Moroccan media, accusing the rights group of bias.

“On the eve of his appearance before the magistrate, the American organisation Human Rights Watch (HRW) decided to come out of its silence and play the card of partiality, siding with Omar Radi and discrediting his alleged victim,” wrote le360.ma.

HRW published on Monday a press release titled “Morocco: Espionage case against outspoken journalist”, accusing Moroccan authorities of abusing the justice system to silence Radi.

“His judicial investigation, scheduled to begin on September 22, 2020, raises concerns that authorities are abusing the justice system to silence one of the few remaining critical voices in Moroccan media,” said HRW.

Radi is facing three legal allegations against him, including espionage and rape, which are not related to his profession.

“Bringing apparently bogus charges against critical journalists is now clearly part of the Moroccan government’s playbook for stifling dissent,” said Goldstein

 “The espionage charges and a cascade of other charges appear concocted to take Omar Radi down,” he added.

Le360.ma said that it expected a neutral position from HRW which should have taken into account the testimony given by the rape complainant Hafsa Boutahar.

“On what basis does HRW ban the complainant's right to speak? Does HRW have proof of Omar Radi's innocence? In the rape case with which he is accused, what evidence does this organisation have to question the complainant's testimony?” asked le 360.ma.

The rape complainant, who is Radi’s colleague, told Middle East Online on July 29 that he jumped on her and raped her while she was talking on the phone with her fiancé who lives abroad.

The victim said the rape took place on July 13 at her directors’ house where they were working due to the special circumstances exacerbated by the coronavirus pandemic.

But HRW said in its press release that Radi claimed the sexual encounter was consensual.

Boutahar lashed out at HRW for playing with her words in order to favour Radi.

“A few hours before the investigation of my case begins, ❗@Human Rights Watch comes out and plays with words trying to tip the balance in favor of Omar Radi,” tweeted Boutahar.

Boutahar told Middle East Online that human rights groups such as HRW “are supposed to support the oppressed and victims, not the opposite.”

“HRW showed proof of non-professionalism in dealing with my case since they haven’t asked for my testimony,” she added.

Boutahar called on HRW to correct its error which she called very prejudicial to her.